January is a great time to set new academic goals. It is a great time to assess how the first part of the school year has been going. Do your grades justify your efforts? Is homework being done to the best of your ability? Here are some tips to help you set your new academic goals this year.
1. Identify Your Goals:
The first thing you must do is determine what your focus will be. Do you want to raise your grades, improve your study efforts or improve your homework assignments? Take the time to fully think about the areas that need improvement. Once you define your goal, write it down in a place that you will see everyday. This constant reminder will help keep you on track to success.
2. Map Out Your Plan:
Once you have set your goals, set up a road map to achieve these goals! Grab a calendar or planner. Set dates and small tasks that will help achieve them. For example, if your goal is improve your study habits then study 15 minutes each day. Perhaps you will dedicate 15 minutes of memorizing multiplication on Monday, 15 minutes of reading vocabulary on Tuesday, and so forth. Designing a “road map” for studying will keep you accountable, focused and you will be one step closer to achieving your goal.
3. Stay Focused and Accountable:
Setting goals and getting started is often times easier than staying the course over long periods of time. In the beginning, the momentum is high and you are focused. Keep that momentum throughout by enlisting someone to help you stay accountable. Tell your parents or teacher of your goal and ask them to check in on your progress every month. These “check ins” will keep you focused throughout and help you achieve your goal!
Take the time this month to think about how you can improve academically. Set a goal, map it out and stay focused. Having a plan is the key to accomplishing your goals. What type of academic goals will you setting in 2019?